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Hear from RCN nursing cadets about their experiences on the programme and how it has helped them move onto the next stage of their lives.

What was your experience of the scheme?

I had a great experience on the scheme. As we were in COVID lockdowns, the course was run online and often I was put into breakout rooms, which made me feel nervous at first but grew to love. I felt so relaxed as time went on and never felt afraid to offer ideas and answers. I looked forward to the sessions every week. 

Tell us a bit about what you did on your placement? 

I was able to complete my placement with St John Ambulance Cymru, shadowing a variety of Healthcare Professionals and first aiders on local and national duties, getting the opportunity to assist wherever needed, which in turn made me more confident in my IFA training.

What have you done since you completed the scheme?

Since completing the scheme, I have been a Cadet Facilitator and Ambassador, which included assisting in interviewing for the second and third St John cohorts with the scheme. I have also had the opportunity to represent the scheme at a number of events; from the England launch in July 2021, to meeting the Lord Prior in 2022, Hato Hone St John in 2023, Nurses Day services with St John Ambulance Cymru, and to HRH Princess Anne at a Young Achievers Reception in November 2021, as well as HRH Duchess of Gloucester on her visit to in April 2024.

Most recently, in July 2024, I had the opportunity to represent the scheme to St John international delegates from across the world as part of Grand Council that was being held in Cardiff. There was a celebration of volunteering as well as presentations that were also attended by HRH Duke of Gloucester. It was a privilege to have been able to experience these things, and it is all down to the scheme that I have been able to do these things.

How did the scheme contribute to this?

The scheme has given me so much more confidence in myself and my abilities, and talking to people in general. I am a people person but can be painfully shy! If you had told me before starting the scheme that I would be standing up and presenting to a room of respected international delegates as well as HRH the Duke of Gloucester, I would not have believed you. When I look back on how far I have come with Helen and the rest of the cadet team, I wouldn't say boo to a goose when I first started. So, I really have the scheme to thank for getting me where I am today. 

What are your future plans?

I've just graduated with an Upper Second Class Honours in Forensic Science and I am working on sending my application for a Masters. I am still not too sure what direction I want to take, but Analytical and Forensic Chemistry, International Security and Risk Management (Counter Terrorism), and Health and Public Service management have all taken my fancy. Working and mentoring as a Cadet Facilitator made me really realise that I enjoy mentoring young people so I am also considering education as well. I'm looking to keep my options open and see where life takes me.

What was the best bit?

The highlight of this scheme was the placement because we learned new information about health care personnel and their day-to-day life, an insight we couldn’t get online. I also enjoyed the activities that the nurses were demonstrating. We had hands-on experience ourselves, giving us a better understanding of what different nurses do.

And the most difficult?

The most challenging part about this scheme was the level of commitment needed. Having to attend every Wednesday after school was enjoyable but also hard and exhausting, as it was my first year at A-Levels and I was still learning how to keep on top of everything as it is a huge jump from GCSEs. However, if you manage your time wisely this shouldn’t be a problem.

What skills did you learn?

This scheme enhanced my skill set. For example, we learned how to talk to the patient, what language to use, how our body language should be and how we should listen to our patients to give them the best care. Also, my presentation and communication skills were elevated as a result. We also learned how to do effective CPR and the Heimlich manoeuvre, which are both essential life skills.

What was the most fun?

I had the most fun during one of the sessions where we played Chinese whispers. These activities showed me the importance of clear communication, as it avoids misunderstandings. I also really enjoyed how all the cadets were involved and worked together. Another session I had fun doing was the one where we had to feed someone else while blindfolded.

Tell us about the support you had to get you through.

The support from all of the staff was amazing, as they saw us through the whole scheme. If we had any questions regarding anything we could always ask and they were always happy to help. Some of the main guidance was from Miss Samuels from the school. It was nice to have a familiar face during the whole process, she always gave us genuine advice and would push us to be our best selves. The cadet ambassadors were always great as they’ve always explained their roles and presented themselves so well.

What plans do you have for your career?

When I finish my A-levels I want to go to university to study midwifery. This scheme helped me make that final decision as it opened so many doors into the health care industry. Also, I did my presentation on midwifery which meant I looked into this career path in more detail. My placement really helped me come to my final decision as talking to so many nurses and midwives allowed me to pinpoint what it is they do in their roles and if it was for me. Because of the RCN programme, I will go to university having done my full research and also experienced what it’s like to be on placement.

What was your experience of the scheme?

The particular cohort I was in was the pilot scheme here in Scotland, so it was very much a learning curve for not only myself and other candidates, but also for the staff teaching. Overall it was a fantastic experience where I was able to learn new skills, adapt to certain situations and the face-to-face interaction with people in my placement was a huge help and an eye-opener.

Tell us a bit about your placement.

My fellow cadet, Kimberley Dougal, and I had our placement in Motherwell’s Airbles Road Centre. The ward we were placed in, under the guidance of qualified nurses, was mainly elderly care. We were able to observe the nursing staff do their routines and checks on patients. It was amazing to see how nurses worked on a daily basis. I was given the opportunity to interact with a lot of the patients which involved me assisting during mealtimes, being available to them and at times simply sitting down to keep them company and having a good old blether.

What are you doing now?

I am currently employed in the same place I was in prior to taking part in the scheme; however, it opened my eyes and mind to all the amazing opportunities that are out there both in the NHS as well as the private sector. The course has helped me in many ways in relation to a future career and it has also given me an amazing opportunities within the RCN. I was asked to be one of Scotland’s Cadet Ambassadors which has meant I have met individuals across the UK, gained friends and have also had the opportunity to voice my opinion on how to grow the RCN Nursing Cadet Scheme.

How has the scheme supported this?

Ultimately, the RCN Nursing Cadet Scheme is worth every penny spent, every minute worked, every meeting held. It’s an outstanding scheme and I genuinely hope I am able to see it grow to new heights.